Glossary of Terms

The Glossary is designed to familiarize you with company and product ingredient terms. To find a specific term, click on the letter that the word begins with. This will narrow the search and allow you to find the term more easily.

Amino acid - a building block of protein. More than 20 different amino acids are used by the body to manufacture different proteins in muscle, hair, skin, blood and other tissues.

Aminogen - a scientific selection of 16 different amino acids that supply essential building blocks for youthful looking skin.

Antioxidant support network - the body’s system of protection against free radicals. Antioxidants work synergistically together, some fighting free radicals formation directly and some restoring the antioxidant properties of others.

Antioxidant - a compound which helps capture free radicals. Many common nutrients have antioxidant properties.

AP-24® - a patented oral care ingredient with dimethicone and surfactants that leaves a smooth, clean feeling on the teeth.

Arginine - an amino acid involved in soothing the skin. Facilitates recovery from stress on the skin.

arNOX - a powerful free radical generator found on the surface of cells and within the body. arNOX is an age-related enzyme that is believed to contribute as a source of ageing skin. arNOX levels in the human body have been shown to be associated with a person’s appearance.

arSuperMarkers - age-related super markers or “arSuperMarkers” is a term Nu Skin® coined that describes components of body chemistry that influence how we age.

Ascorbic acid - pure vitamin C. An antioxidant that protects the body cells, helps maintain a healthy skin and is needed as part of the body’s defences.

Astaxanthin - is the carotenoid responsible for the red/pink colour in salmon, lobster, shrimp and krill. Compared to beta-carotene, astaxanthin possesses two extra functional groups.

Ava puhi extract (Zingiber zerumbet) - nectar from the bulb of the ava puhi plant. Used for centuries by Polynesians to soften and condition hair.

Babassu oil (Orbignya oleifera) - extracted from kernels of the babassu palm. Used for generations by indigenous South American cultures as a natural
moisturiser.

Babassu powder (Orbignya phalerata) - throughout the ages, South Americans have ground babassu nuts into a fine, silk-like powder to use in food. Used today to absorb wetness on the skin.

Bamboo extract - a powerful anti-ageing ingredient blend (combined with pea extract and glucosamine) that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase cell turnover, resulting in more visually youthful skin.

Bentonite clay - this natural clay, derived from volcanic ash, acts as a magnet to remove dulling skin cells and toxins, then polishes skin for a fresh, bright complexion.

Beta-carotene - an antioxidant phytonutrient that can be converted into vitamin A in the body as needed. Beta-carotene is the colourful pigment found in many fruits and vegetables.

Biophotonics - a field of study that uses light to measure biomarkers in living organisms.

Bioavailability - the extent to which an ingested nutrient is absorbed, taken up by the body’s tissues and utilised for its specific functions.

Bioflavonoids - a family of water soluble antioxidant compounds found as pigments in numerous fruits and vegetables.

Borage seed oil - is an excellent source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that can be converted into biologically active substances, which are regulators and participate in many important body functions.

Brown seaweed - highly mineralised and rich with amino acids and antioxidants. Aids in the absorption and retention of moisture.

Burdock root extract (Arctium lappa) - historically used to help troubled complexions. B complex vitamins - water-soluble vitamins that provide dietary support for the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins.

Calcium - is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It is necessary for healthy bones, strong teeth, proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction, normal blood coagulation, energy yielding metabolism and many other physiological functions.

Carotenoids - an important category of fat soluble antioxidants. Abundantly found in nature and responsible for many of the reds, oranges and yellows we see in fruits and vegetables. Some examples of carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and astaxanthin.

Cetylated fatty acid esters - an all natural form of a fatty acid treated with alcohol and used by the body as an emulsifier and lubricant.

Chamomile extract (Anthemis noblilis and Chamomilla recutita) - known for its soothing, conditioning and softening effects.

Chinese bitter cucumber - part of the Mormordica family. Also known as gâc fruit. It is a nutrient-dense fruit from Southeast Asia that contains high amounts of carotenoids.

Chinese lycium - is a small red superfruit which contains antioxidants like zeaxanthin, flavonoids, beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Citrus aurantium amara - used by various cultures throughout Mainland China and the Caribbean, especially Haiti, as a refreshing, natural deodoriser. Though originating in Mainland China, Citrus aurantium amara was introduced into Europe in the eleventh century. The fruit of the Citrus aurantium amara (a small orange called a Seville orange) became very popular, not only for its delightful sweet and sour taste, but also for its refreshing scent and deodorising properties.

Collagen - a protein that provides structure, strength and elasticity to the skin and other tissues throughout the body.

Colostrum - colostrum is the mother’s first milk produced after the birth of her offspring. Differs from regular milk in that it has a higher concentration of immune supporting proteins. Research shows that bovine colostrum confers immune benefit in humans.

Copper - an essential trace mineral critical to the function of many enzymes. Aids in iron transport in the body and in the formation of collagen and bone tissue.

Cordyceps sinensis - a mushroom prized in Mainland China since ancient times for its role in restoring vitality and stamina.

Cordyline terminalis - Hawaiian ti leaves treasured for hundreds of years by Polynesians for their skinsoothing properties.

Cortex - surrounds the core of the hair. The hair cortex gives hair its special qualities such as elasticity and curl. The cortex also contains granules of melanin, the hair’s pigment which is produced when the hair is growing in its follicle.

Cuticle - is the outermost portion of the hair shaft. The cuticle is responsible for much of the mechanical strength of the hair fibre. Made of flattened cells that overlap like the tiles on a terracotta roof, the cuticle protects the inside of the hair shaft from damage.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) - an omega 3 essential fatty acid important for the health of the nervous system. Fish oil is a good source of DHA.

Di- and tri-peptides - derived from hydrolysed rice protein; improve the skin’s recovery process after stress; stimulate cell renewal and synthesis of dermal proteins for improved firmness and a decrease in lines and wrinkles.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) - the genetic material found in nearly every cell of the human body. DNA contains the genetic information necessary for building and maintaining an organism. DNA usually exists as a double strand held tightly together, creating a double helix.

Flavonoids - an important class of antioxidant phytonutrients. It is estimated that there are over 600 different flavonoids present in foods and beverages, including green tea catechins, citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin, isoflavones from soy, grape seed extract and resveratrol.

Free radicals - unstable molecules in the body that seek, attack and damage neighbouring molecules, making a continuing chain reaction of free radical formation and molecular damage. This chain reaction can lead to damage of cell membranes, DNA and tissue proteins.

Genes - the basic unit of heredity in living organisms. Genes are functional sections of DNA that hold the information to build, maintain and regenerate cells and pass genetic traits to offspring. Some of these traits are immediately visible, such as eye colour or number of limbs and some express themselves later on in life, such as rate of ageing, health.

Ginkgo biloba - a herbal extract from the ginkgo tree known for its powerful antioxidant benefits.

Ginkgo flavone glycosides - a group of phytonutrients found in ginkgo biloba leaves. Ginkgo flavone glycosides are known to have powerful antioxidant properties.

Gluconolactone - a polyhydroxy acid found naturally in skin cells. Its molecular structure makes it gentle and non-irritating to the skin while providing clinically proven anti-ageing benefits such as antioxidant protection, moisturisation and skin barrier.

Glucosamine - a powerful anti-ageing ingredient blend (combined with pea and bamboo extracts) that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase cell turnover, resulting in more visually youthful skin.

Green tea (Camellia oleifera and Camellia sinensis) - an antioxidant that helps soothe troubled skin and even out skin tones. Green tea has particularly high levels of polyphenol antioxidants. Also known as Thea sinensis extract.

Lipocarotenes - a highly bioavailable matrix of carotenoids and fatty acids found in the gâc fruit. The presence of the fatty acids in lipocarotenes enables efficient absorption and transport of the carotenes.

Lutein - a yellow carotenoid found in many fruits and vegetables. Found in high concentrations in the retina, providing antioxidant protection by filtering the harmful effects of high energy blue and near ultraviolet light.

Manganese - a nutritionally essential mineral, necessary to several enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase. Plays a role in energy yielding metabolism, bone development and oxidative protection.

Marigold extract - an extract that helps soothe and condition the skin.

Mentha arvensis - a natural wild mint that cools and revives the skin. Used by south-western Native American tribes.

Micronutrients - those nutrients that we need in only small quantities, such as vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients carry out hundreds of vital functions within the body.

Minerals - essential micronutrients that are required in the diet because they cannot be produced by the body. They function as cofactors in many reactions and help form intrinsic antioxidants in the body.

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) - a flowering plant indigenous to the American Southwest, which is used by Native Americans for its soothing effects.

Mushroom extract (Fomes officinalis) - a natural astringent shown to improve skin tightness and firmness as it diminishes the appearance of pores.

Natural sterols - have a high water holding capacity and give hair a moist, smooth feel.

Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation® - a non-profit organisation committed to creating a better world for children by preserving indigenous cultures, protecting fragile environments, financing medical research into serious illnesses, providing humanitarian assistance, through donations of US$0.25 from each sale of Nu Skin®’s ethnobotanical product line, Epoch®.

Omega 3 fatty acids - one of two classifications of fatty acids that are essential to human nutrition (the other is omega 6). The omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important for normal immune function, cardiovascular health, maintenance of normal blood pressure, brain function and skin health.

Oxidation - a reaction caused to the body’s cells by the action of free radicals. Over time, oxidised cells become weaker and less able to replicate themselves perfectly.

Panthenol - member of the vitamin B family. A revitalising moisturiser and conditioner for both skin and hair.

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 - sends age reversing signals to collagen-producing cells to help reduce the appearance of moderate to deep lines.

Papain - an enzyme from the tropical fruit papaya that helps eliminate build up in pores.

Pea extract - a powerful anti-ageing ingredient blend (combined with bamboo extract and glucosamine) that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase cell turnover, resulting in more visually youthful skin.

Phytoestrogen - oestrogen-like compounds present in some plants. Phytoestrogens have a mild oestrogen-like effect, binding to oestrogen receptors in the body to modulate the effects of the body’s own oestrogen.

Phytonutrients - plant compounds that have been found to have qualities which can benefit human health, such as antioxidant properties. Phytonutrients include isoflavones, carotenoids, flavonoids and catechins.

Pinecone extract - an extract that helps the skin look moist and radiant.

Premocin - a proprietary ingredient blend that puts Tru Face® ingredients where they can do the most good.

Pro-collagen peptides - send age-reversing signals to collagen producing cells to help reduce the appearance of moderate to deep lines.

Protein - compounds made of amino acids, containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes other atoms. Used by the body for building tissues, proteins are found in meat, eggs, dairy products, nuts, grains, fruits and vegetables.

Proteolytic enzymes - a group of enzymes extracted from plant sources such as pineapple and papaya.

Quercetin - one of the most abundant and intensively researched flavonoids, found throughout fruits and vegetables. Responsible for a wide range of health benefits including antioxidant, cellular health and cardiovascular health.

Siberian pineapple - a small orange or yellow berry with an unsurpassed natural source of carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamin C and flavonoids. Also rich in several other vitamins, including B1, B2 and vitamin K.

Sisku’pas (Tsuga heterophylla) - used by indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest for its skin-soothing effects.

Urea - a highly effective and powerful humectant. Urea penetrates deep into the outermost layer of the skin to hydrate and protect dry, damaged skin. In higher concentrations, urea can help reduce scales and calluses.

Vitamin B - a family of water soluble nutrients necessary for energy production and cellular metabolism. Includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid and cobalamin.

Vitamin C - see Ascorbic acid.

Vitamin D - a fat soluble nutrient obtained from dietary sources or produced by skin cells when exposed to sun light. Necessary for bone and cellular health. Synthesis of vitamin D in the skin by the action of sunlight is insufficient to meet requirements in European markets, especially during winter months when there is little sunlight exposure.

Vitamin E - see Tocopherol.

Vitamin K - this fat soluble nutrient is involved in bone mineralisation and is a cofactor in normal blood clotting.

Vitamins - essential micronutrients that are required in the diet because they cannot be produced by the body. Vitamins can act as antioxidants and coenzymes, compounds necessary for numerous reactions within the body.

Zinc - a trace mineral essential to more than 70 enzyme reactions in the body. Zinc also protects against free radicals, contributes to normal bone health, cognitive function and plays an important role in immune function.